Akshay Bhatia stayed firmly in contention for a top-10 finish after a steady second round at the Truist Championship.

The Indian-origin golfer carded a 1-under 71 to move into tied-12th heading into the weekend, remaining within striking distance of the leaders despite a late stumble.

Bhatia looked set for an even better round after reaching 3-under through 12 holes. However, back-to-back bogeys on the 13th and 14th halted his momentum before he steadied himself over the closing stretch.

Indo-Canadian Sudarshan Yellamaraju also made good progress, following his opening 71 with a 2-under 69 to climb to tied-24th. His round featured four birdies and two bogeys, including a dropped shot on the final hole.

Sahith Theegala remained tied-43rd after rounds of 72 and 71. The Indo-American mixed two birdies and an eagle with four bogeys during another entertaining but inconsistent display.

At the top, South Korea’s Sungjae Im moved into the lead at 9-under after backing up his opening 64 with a 69. Im, who has struggled with a wrist injury this season, appears close to returning to his best form.

Rory McIlroy surged into contention with a superb 5-under 67 in his first start since winning the Masters. The World No. 2 produced a brilliant stretch of 14 consecutive greens in regulation and made five birdies on the back nine before a closing bogey left him tied-eighth.

Tommy Fleetwood continued his consistent form with a second straight 67 to sit one shot behind Im.

Justin Thomas and Alex Fitzpatrick shared third place after rounds of 68, with Fitzpatrick continuing his impressive debut PGA Tour season following his Hero Indian Open triumph earlier this year.

Rickie Fowler produced the round of the day with a sparkling 8-under 63 featuring nine birdies to join McIlroy in tied-eighth.

Photo – PGAT